Miriam Arciniega

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally stuck can make even everyday life feel heavy. Whether you’re navigating stress, past trauma, or major life changes, therapy can offer a space to slow down, gain clarity, and start feeling more like yourself again. I work with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and have extensive experience supporting individuals and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I strive to provide culturally responsive, compassionate care that honors each client’s lived experience and strengths.

I use practical, evidence-based approaches to help you create real change: CBT – understanding and shifting thought patterns DBT – managing emotions/coping skills Anxiety & stress Trauma & PTSD Depression Life transitions Behavioral challenges (children & teens) Family conflict Immigration-related stress & evaluations Justice-involved/reentry support

Starting therapy can feel uncomfortable or even intimidating, especially if you’ve never worked with a therapist before. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space where you can be yourself.

During our first session, we’ll spend time getting to know each other and discussing what brought you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about your current concerns, life circumstances, relationships, strengths, and experiences so I can better understand your needs.

We’ll also talk about what you’d like to accomplish through therapy and begin identifying goals that feel meaningful and realistic for you. I’ll explain confidentiality, its limits, and what you can expect from our therapeutic relationship.

You don’t need to know exactly what to say or have everything figured out before your first appointment. We’ll take it one step at a time.

The first session is not about having all the answers or fixing everything immediately. It’s about creating a foundation for our work together, building trust, and determining how I can best support you.

You can expect to be heard, respected, and treated with compassion throughout the process.